NORMAN, OK — In a highly anticipated decision that sends a clear message about the enduring power of in-state loyalty and the burgeoning strength of the Texas Longhorns under Head Coach Steve Sarkisian, John Turntine III, the nation’s No. 2-ranked interior offensive lineman in the 2026 recruiting class, has officially committed to the University of Texas. Turntine’s announcement, made to Rivals on Friday, July 4, 2025, marks a pivotal victory for the Longhorns, as they secured his pledge over formidable national contenders like Michigan and Stanford, and in-state rival Texas A&M. His succinct and powerful reasoning – “I was never an out-of-state child” – perfectly encapsulates the allure of staying home for top Texas talent.
Turntine, a towering 6-foot-4, 285-pound offensive lineman from North Crowley High School in Fort Worth, Texas, has been a priority target for offensive line coach Kyle Flood and the Longhorns’ staff for an extended period. His commitment culminates a recruiting battle that saw him entertain offers from across the country, but ultimately, the pull of the burnt orange proved too strong.
- Elite Talent in the Trenches: John Turntine III is not just any offensive line commit; he is considered one of the very best in the entire 2026 class. Rivals ranks him as the No. 2 IOL nationally and among the top prospects in the state of Texas. His athleticism, power, and versatility to play multiple interior line positions (and even tackle, according to some scouting reports) make him an immediate impact player for the future. Securing an elite talent at a position group that Steve Sarkisian has consistently emphasized as foundational for SEC success is critical. The Longhorns are actively building their offensive line for the future, and Turntine is a cornerstone piece alongside already committed 2026 prospects like four-star offensive tackle Maximus Wright and three-star IOL Nicolas Robertson.
- Maintaining In-State Dominance: Turntine’s quote, “I was never an out-of-state child,” is a rallying cry for the Texas fanbase and a stark reminder to rival programs. It underscores the Longhorns’ inherent advantage in recruiting the rich talent pool of Texas. Despite the move to the SEC and the intensified competition with former Big 12 foes and new conference rivals, keeping top in-state prospects home is paramount for long-term success. His commitment demonstrates that even with aggressive pushes from national powers, the deep-rooted connections and historical significance of the Texas program within its home state remain a potent force.
- Beating Out National and In-State Rivals: The list of programs Turntine chose Texas over speaks volumes:
- Michigan: The reigning national champions, known for their strong offensive line play and recent success, made a strong push. This head-to-head win shows Texas’s ability to compete with the very best. Michigan’s 2026 class, as of early July 2025, is ranked around No. 9 nationally by On3.com, but they were certainly aiming higher with a talent like Turntine.
- Texas A&M: The Aggies, under Mike Elko, are also recruiting at an incredibly high level, particularly in Texas. Beating out A&M for a top-tier in-state offensive lineman is a critical victory in the ongoing recruiting rivalry between the two SEC programs. Texas A&M’s 2026 class is currently ranked No. 3 nationally by On3.com, showcasing their own recruiting prowess.
- Stanford: While not typically a football recruiting juggernaut, Stanford’s strong academic profile and unique appeal make them a dark horse for certain recruits. Their inclusion in Turntine’s final group indicates the broad reach of his recruitment, but ultimately, the tradition and trajectory of Texas won out. Stanford’s 2026 class is generally outside the top 30 nationally in early rankings.
- Momentum for the 2026 Class: Turntine’s commitment adds significant momentum to the Longhorns’ 2026 recruiting class. This follows a busy period for Texas recruiting, including the commitment of four-star linebacker Kosi Okpala just days before. While the overall class ranking fluctuates (currently No. 7 nationally on On3.com as of July 4, 2025, after Turntine’s commitment), securing elite offensive line talent is often a catalyst for further commitments, as top skill players want to play behind a strong front.
- Rebounding from a Miss: The commitment of Turntine came just hours after the Longhorns reportedly missed out on five-star offensive tackle Felix Ojo (who surprisingly chose Texas Tech). This quick rebound with another top offensive line talent demonstrates the resilience and depth of the Texas recruiting plan. It shows that Steve Sarkisian and his staff have contingency plans and are adept at adapting quickly to the unpredictable nature of recruiting.
Turntine’s sentiment, “I was never an out-of-state child,” resonates deeply within the context of Texas high school football. The culture of football in the Lone Star State is unique, fervent, and deeply ingrained. For many Texas prospects, playing for the flagship university – the University of Texas – is a dream that predates their recruitment. It’s about:
- Family Connection: Often, generations of a recruit’s family have followed the Longhorns, creating a powerful emotional pull.
- Local Heroes: Playing at Texas means becoming a hero to local communities, continuing a legacy that began on Texas high school fields.
- Familiarity and Comfort: Staying in-state offers a sense of familiarity, reducing the adjustments associated with moving far from home. This can be especially important for offensive linemen, who often form tight-knit bonds within their position groups.
- The SEC Stage at Home: With Texas now in the SEC, in-state recruits get the best of both worlds: playing in the nation’s premier conference while remaining close to home. The opportunity to play against the top competition without leaving the state is a significant draw.
John Turntine III’s commitment is a powerful statement about the current state of Texas Longhorns football recruiting. It signifies their ability to secure elite talent, particularly in crucial positional areas like the offensive line. More importantly, it reaffirms that for many top Texas prospects, the appeal of staying home and donning the burnt orange remains as strong as ever, even in the new, high-stakes landscape of SEC football.
